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Six Days, Class III
Departure Dates
Tuesdays, April
- October
Family Dates:
June 17; July 8; August 5
Price
$2095 adult / $1995 youth
based on double occupancy
Additional Costs: Prices include an optional $111/person transportation package for a flight from the take-out back to Moab. |
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NATURAL HISTORY
• Far from the shores of the Colorado, water and
shade are exceptionally scarce here. As a result. The majority of the
areas wild animals and plant life are generally found along the river's
edge, and gigantic sandstone and limestone formations act as a refuge
to the reptiles and small mammals of the region.
• Depending on the time of year
you choose to explore with us, you may see many kinds of wildflowers.
You may very well also see wildlife as mule deer, cottontail, kit fox,
jackrabbit, kangaroo rat, and numerous kinds of reptiles. Bird life is
represented by a variety of species including the bluebird, pinyon jay,
golden eagle, and the mighty hawk.
• The ancient Anasazi and
Fremont peoples prospered along the Colorado hundreds of years ago,
growing maize, beans and squash. There are few visible remains of their
activities in the region other than the numerous pictographs and
petroglyphs that still remain on the steep canyon walls. O.A.R.S. can
also arrange to take you to view some the few remaining granaries and
dwellings.
• Pinyon pine and juniper trees
offer minimal shade but a striking contrast to the red rock formations.
 GEOLOGY
• The Canyonlands are a genuine geologic work of art
in progress. The region offers a real-world classroom where we are able
to experience millions of years of the earth's history. The amazing
coloration in the Canyonlands region— dramatic reds, whites,
grays—begs the questions of how and where these rocks were
formed. Bent or sometimes rippling like the waves of the ocean, the
many layers and striations visible along the river corridor are a
visual testament to the powerful forces at work both beneath and above
the surface of the earth.
• Island in the Sky is a wide
mesa wedged deep between the Green and Colorado rivers. This is where
you'll see the White Rim; a bench of white sandstone an impressive 1200
feet below the mesa's rim.
• Arches National Park is home
to further striking rock formations created by the forces of erosion
upon a salt bed deposited more than 300 million years ago. The
following ages saw it covered with residue that was deposited and
compressed into rock. The result of this geologic process is visible
today through the stunning rock features that make up these parks.
MULTI-SPORT
• Increasingly popular with our repeat adventurers,
our multi-sport adventures are a relaxed way to explore the region
through a combination of rafting and hiking with other activities that
take advantage of all the very best this region has to offer.
Activities on the Canyonlands Multi-Sport Vacation at Sorrel River
Ranch may include: horseback riding, hiking, rafting, mountain biking,
and backcountry 4 x 4 safaris into either Canyonlands and Arches
national parks.
RED CLIFFS LODGE
• Homesteaded in the early Twentieth century by a
ranching family Red Cliffs Lodge has been a working ranch ever since,
raising horses and cattle. Opened as a resort in 2002 the Lodge now
offers a ranch-like experience amid western charm.
• In addition to access to
Arches and Canyonlands national parks, and other outstanding adventure
destinations, Red Cliffs Lodge offers several activities on its own
property. Enjoy the lodge’s pool and spa, exercise facility,
volleyball and tennis courts. The Lodge also organizes a terrific
horseback riding tour in magnificent Castle Creek Canyon.
• A continental breakfast will
be provided each morning, as well as lunch for your daily excursions,
and a delicious, relaxing dinner when you return to the Lodge each
evening. Located on-site is the Castle Valley Winery that offers wine
tasting and tours.
• Numerous movies have been
filmed on this property, and a visit to Red Cliff’s unique
movie museum shows us the history of films such as Rio Grande and Wagon
Master and actors like Rock Hudson, Henry Fonda, and James Stewart. Be
sure to include time to visit the enjoyable Movie History Museum.
Sample Itinerary
At O.A.R.S we pride ourselves in running relaxed and flexible
schedules. Each trip will depend on the group, other trips on the water
as well as the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip may
be like.
The Day Before
Your Trip
We’ll meet at 7:00 pm in the conference
room of the Gonzo Inn in central Moab for a pre-trip meeting. This is
an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and guides, and ask any
last-minute questions. Your guides will give you a thorough trip
orientation, then pass out your waterproof river bags so that you can
pack your belongings that evening. They will advise you of the morning
departure time.
Day 1
• After pickup at the Gonzo Inn we drive
south of Moab to our Colorado River put-in at Potash. The scenic
40-minute drive follows the river into Meander Canyon where the walls
rise majestically above our heads, and serve as a backdrop for
innumerable petroglyphs. Upon arrival at Potash our guides give a
thorough safety talk and introduction to our boats and gear. Pushing
off from the shore, we leave the familiar behind and begin our unique
adventure through Canyonlands National Park via the Colorado River.
•The first half of your river trip, which
will be
on a motorized craft, will acquaint you with a land about as far from
urban living as one can get. You will be astounded by the absolute
redness of the sandstone looming skyward as it gleams in its peaceful
and rugged beauty against the fairest of desert blue skies, and by the
bright green willows thriving beside the river. The fresh breezes and
inviting cool of the Colorado conspire to relax, to calm, and to
invigorate.
•The first day might give your group an
opportunity to hike to Lathrop Ruin, where you can view prehistoric
pictographs of what is believed to be a solstice calendar, and painted
outlines of the ancient inhabitants’ hands that
‘grab’ your attention. You might also have the
opportunity to explore Indian Creek Canyon, where fascinating
prehistoric ruins and a stunning seasonal waterfall await.
•Camp will be set up on a scenic beach
for the first of 3 nights spent on the Colorado. The guides will
explain the working of our portable toilet and how to set up your tents
in the “perfect” spot. Passengers are usually
pleasantly surprised about how easy this camping is with the guides
taking charge of most camp chores and the great meals they prepare from
fresh ingredients taken on the trip.
Day 2
• After the mighty Colorado
winds us through The Loop, an exceptional example of the
river’s convoluted twists and turns and a venue for another
great hike, we reach the confluence with the Green River that marks the
beginning of Cataract Canyon. At this point or slightly up river from
here, we will transfer to our non-motorized river craft (oar raft,
paddle-assist, etc.).
• About three miles downstream from The
Confluence, we may camp at Spanish Bottom, where we find a fading 1893
inscription from the steamer Major Powell, where it turned around
twice, not daring to take on the rapids immediately below. From this
camp, we encourage the active hikers in the group to join the guides on
a trek up to the Doll House in the Maze section of Canyonlands, where
we encounter giant stone shapes that look like massive chess pieces 50
– 100 feet high.
Day 3
• During spring runoff Cataract Canyon
boasts some of the greatest whitewater in North America, with rapids
like Mile Long, Capsize and the legendary Big Drops that offer plenty
of excitement. During July, the rapids calm down to Class III so we can
accommodate children as young as 8. As we drop into Brown Betty Rapid
the preceding days’ anticipation of Cataract Canyon explodes
in cool water and huge smiles. Whatever the water level or the type of
boat you are in, the rushes of adrenaline with each new rapid are
balanced by the knowledge of your guides’ experience and
focus on safety. In between the thrills, ask your guide to tell the
tale of John Wesley Powell’s historic 1869 first descent
through these formidable rapids. We may camp at the end of the rapids,
after an exhilarating day of whitewater.
Day 4
• We reach the end of Cataract Canyon and
Lake Powell. As we travel toward Hite Marina, it’s easy to
wonder about the Glen Canyon landscape inundated below us. The scenic
return flight to Moab grants a bit of time to reflect as we retrace our
path through Cataract Canyon from high above, looking down on the
beautiful landscape with a bird’s-eye perspective and looking
forward to a delectable dinner the excitement that awaits us at Red
Cliffs Lodge in scenic Professor Valley.
Day 5
• Following breakfast at the Lodge we are
off to visit 2 unique areas of Utah on this popular 4-x- 4- hiking
venture through Canyonlands and Arches national parks. We travel on the
Shafer Trail, with stops at Fossil Point and Musselman Arch, the Island
in the Sky District, Eye of the Whale, Delicate Arch overlook, and
other spectacular rock formations that are not visible from the paved
road. Upon return to Red Cliffs Lodge we enjoy a delicious dinner in
the terraced dining room or from the outdoor deck.
Day 6
•After another light breakfast at Red
Cliff we explore the area in true western style with a guided horseback
ride to Castle Rock Canyon, the same country through which John Wayne
rode more than 30 years ago. You may help the wranglers choose horses
suitable for your comfort, and even help groom, saddle and prepare
horses for your ride. We wind up the Castle Creek Canyon trail crossing
its namesake stream several times. Dramatic 2000-foot cliffs tower
above the trail, and there’s a chance we’ll see
deer, coyote, rabbit, and smaller animals along the way.
What's Included with the Ranch
& Raft?
• All meals from dinner Day 1 through to lunch on
Day 6, alcoholic beverages excluded
• Activities Day 1 through Day 6
• All transportation from the morning of Day 1 to
afternoon on Day 6, including flight from Hite Marina to Moab on Day 4
What’s Included on the
River?
• All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 4
• Two 2-cubic-foot dry bags for your personal gear
• Two-person shared tent and deluxe sleep kit
including a self-inflating 1½” foam pad, sleeping
bag, sheet, and pillow
• All boating and safety equipment including a
personal flotation device
What's Not
Included?
• Items of personal nature (a complete packing list
is provided in the Trip Planner)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Optional gratuities for your guides
Why Visit Utah?
Utah is home to some of the most diverse landscapes and rich history
found anywhere else in the United States. There are a dozen national
parks and almost as many state parks. Here are a few highlights we at
O.A.R.S think you shouldn't miss.
• More than 150 years ago,
Brigham Young and his followers set off west to search for religious
freedom. They soon found themselves at the Great Salt Lake, and with
hard work and determination turned this desert into a productive
heartland for the Church of Latter Day Saints. Today Salt Lake City
stands along the eastern shores of the largest inland body of salt
water lake in the country and is commonly referred to as the
“crossroads of the West.” Downtown Salt Lake City
is home to Temple Square, this is where you'll find the Mormon Temple,
Tabernacle and Visitor Center, which provides an insider's look at the
regions Mormon heritage. The State Capitol is also located here and is
well worth the visit. Salt Lake City also offers museums of Fine Art
and Natural History, rounding out your experience wit the cultural and
historic perspectives of this city.
• Bryce Canyon
National Park and Zion National Park
are located off Interstate 15, just 4 hours south of Salt Lake City.
These national parks highlight the captivating and outstanding geologic
formations that southern Utah is famous for. Bryce Canyon is well known
for its displays of rich color, boasting reds, browns and yellows not
typically seen in stone. Zion is a must - see with unbelievable rock
configurations and hanging gardens that are begging to be explored.
• Moab is the base for
O.A.R.S.' operations in Utah, providing you with an opportunity to
visit our center for outdoor enthusiasts. Moab is also an ideal
jumping-off point for excursions into both Arches and Canyonlands
National Parks. It also provides some of the best 4x4-touring, mountain
biking and hiking in the world, not to mention whitewater rafting.
• Be sure to visit Dead
Horse Point , a short nine miles from Moab, and
experience first - hand what is certainly one of the most spectacular
panoramic views in the country. at the best time to see this state park
is surely at sunset when you can see the changing colors of countless
spires, buttes and cliffs fade into the night.
• Moab is flanked on either
side by Canyonlands National Park and Arches
National Park. Arches name comes from the highest
concentration of natural arches in the world and boasts more than 2,000
arches, interspersed with spires and fins of sculpted sandstone.
Incredible views of the snow-capped La Sal Mountains
form the backdrop to what is already an already impressive foreground.
Canyonlands is divided into 3 regions: Island in the Sky, the Needles,
and the Maze.
Family Adventures & Family Adventure Vacations - Canyonlands,
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